WB injects $300m to help smog-challenged Punjab breathe easier

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank approved a $300 million International Development Association (IDA) loan for the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP) to strengthen air quality management and combat air pollution.

In a statement, the WB stated that the PCAP would support the Punjab government’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan (SMAP) in tackling the pressing issue of smog and air pollution with the launch of several comprehensive initiatives aimed at improving air quality and public health across the province particularly in key sectors such as transport, agriculture, industry, energy and municipal services.

WB Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine said: “The Punjab Clean Air Program supports the province’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan and is a landmark initiative to significantly improve air quality and enhance the health and well-being of millions of residents.” He said, “Cleaner air will reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and contribute to a healthier, more livable environment”.

Benhassine added that PCAP aligns with the new WB Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade, significantly decreasing the incidence of respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related health issues for the 13 million residents of Lahore Division.

Giving details, the WB official said that key interventions include the investment of 5000 super seeders to reduce the main issue of the excessive seasonal fog-crop residue burning, the introduction of 600 electric buses to foster a modal shift to public transport, the expansion of regulatory-grade air quality monitoring stations across Punjab, and the enhancement of fuel quality testing through the establishment of two new fuel testing laboratories.

The estimated reduction in GHGs for the program is 35.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next 12 years, significantly benefiting the environment and contributing to climate change mitigation. The program will also develop an integrated pollutant and GHG emissions inventory system to provide a comprehensive approach to tracking and managing emissions data, Benhassine added. Task Team Leader for the Project Shyam Srinivasan said: “The Punjab Clean Air Program will significantly benefit farmers by improving access to advanced technologies for better crop management, create job opportunities in the e-bus and depot sectors, and support vehicle owners in renewing aging vehicles.”